Vitamin D may help cancer patients live longer


Team Udayavani, Jun 5, 2019, 3:41 PM IST

Image for Representation

Washington: Vitamin D supplements, if taken for at least three years, could add years to the lives of cancer patients, a study has found.

The researchers from Michigan State University in the US suggest that the vitamin carries significant benefits other than just contributing to healthy bones.

“Vitamin D had a significant effect on lowering the risk of death among those with cancer, but unfortunately it didn’t show any proof that it could protect against getting cancer,” said Tarek Haykal, from Michigan State University.

The researchers looked at data related to disease prevention from more than 79,000 patients in multiple studies that randomly compared the use of vitamin D to a placebo over at least a three-year period.

Researchers zeroed in on any information that involved cancer incidence and mortality.

“The difference in the mortality rate between the vitamin D and placebo groups was statistically significant enough that it showed just how important it might be among the cancer population,” Haykal said.

While these findings show promise, Haykal cautioned that the exact amount of the vitamin to take and what levels are needed in the blood are still unknown.

He also said that it is unclear how much longer vitamin D extends lifespan and why it has this result.

“There are still many questions and more research is needed,” Haykal said.

Results show enough promise, however, that Haykal would like to see more doctors, especially oncologists, prescribe vitamin D to patients in general.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

PCB says no meeting with ICC, BCCI officials on November 26 to resolve CT imbroglio

Australia coach McDonald surprised about behaviour of wicket on Day two

Sharad Pawar: Assembly poll rout raises question of existence for patriarch’s political legacy

Maharashtra victory a win for development, says PM Modi, congratulates JMM alliance in Jharkhand

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav terms UP bypolls as ‘most distorted form of electoral politics’

Have won in people’s court, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on by-poll results

Look forward to being your voice in Parliament: Priyanka to people of Wayanad

Related Articles More

Mangaluru: Campco opposes WHO’s claim of arecanut being carcinogenic

10 month baby gets new heart, new life

World COPD Day: Know your lung function

As Delhi chokes with dangerous pollution levels, doctors warn of health risks for all

World Diabetes Day 2024: Kasturba Hospital Manipal Hosts Zumba Session at Malpe Beach to Raise Diabetes Awareness

MUST WATCH

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation


Latest Additions

Delhi court convicts man in 2017 acid attack case

PCB says no meeting with ICC, BCCI officials on November 26 to resolve CT imbroglio

Australia coach McDonald surprised about behaviour of wicket on Day two

CM Shinde retains his Kopri-Pachpakhadi assembly seat in Thane with margin of 1.2 lakh votes

Sharad Pawar: Assembly poll rout raises question of existence for patriarch’s political legacy

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.